Paul, unfortunately NYC has changed for the worse over the last 20 years also. Many of the creative people that made it special have been driven out due to high prices. We have lost so many wonderful restaurants in favor of "chain" or "high fashion" restaurants. The saddest part is that, other than Chinatown, there is no longer a sense of neighborhood. Every neighborhood is as generic as the next.

regarding the tube, what kind of travel passes are available? Are there passes for 3-4-5 days? How much do they cost, and where do you buy them? <BR>I thought that the London comes with a travel pass, but after checking out the "londonpass" website I'm more confused because it explains that the travel portion of the london pass is available only if you buy it online. In London, it's not available with the travel element. <BR> <BR>If anybody can provide a little advice, it would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>BTW, I'm from NY, and I love the subway, but it is very confusing for visitors.

In my post above, in the second paragraph, I left out the word "pass". <BR>I was talking about the London Pass.

Steve, when you go to London you can buy passes/tickets at any tube stop. I always suggest waiting to do this rather than buying in the U.S. The London tube is based on zones (1-6), the more zones you cross the higher your fare. In London, you can buy daily or weekly passes only for the zones that you need. If you are touring the major attractions in London you will not need to go farther than Zone 1 or maybe Zone 2. Buying in London gives you more flexibility, there may be days that you choose to walk or just check out the neighborhood you are staying in. You can get more info from www.thetube.com They have good maps and a listing of fares.

Ooops. I think I found the fare prices at www.londontransport.co.uk That is also a good website.

<BR>our tube looks great - until you ride in a *clean* one <BR> <BR>eg paris's or moscow's <BR> <BR>btw - pubs here can now stay open 24/7 <BR>

As a Londoner I have to say that the tube is great - when it's working and out of rush hour. Unfortunately it rarely seems to work efficiently and London is one great big rush hour! <BR> <BR>As for the black cabs (note: NOT mini cabs), they are, without doubt, fantastic. Believe me, when you stumble out of a club in the small hours it's wonderfully comforting to know that you can jump into a cab, tell them where you want to go (by as little as the name of the road) and they will get you there with the minimum of bother. It takes 18-24 months on average to qualify as a black cab driver and they have to know every single road, significant building and landmark within a 6 mile radius of central london. That's no mean feat and worth every penny.